News

US to Consider FMD Status of 14 Brazilian States

30 December 2013

BRAZIL - The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) is to consider 14 Brazilian states for recognition as areas free of FMD with vaccination.

Part of the process is a consultation over the status of the states - Bahia, Distrito Federal, Espirito Santo, Goias, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Minas Gerais, Paraná, Rio Grande do Sul, Rio de Janeiro, Rondônia, São Paulo, Sergipe and Tocantins.

The consultation will be held until 21 February, after which the USDA will consider the comments received for the preparation of the final regulation.

This is another step in the process to free up exports of fresh beef from these states to the US.

Brazil has also notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of its sanitary requirements for imports of fresh beef from countries that have had cases of BSE, such as the US.

A review of public health standards will now start to complete the risk analysis process.

The action being taken by both countries falls under the mutual understanding contained in the Joint Statement issued on the 18 December.